Jewels of the Sun Series: Gallaghers of Ardmore #1 on September 2, 2014 (first published 1999)
Pages: 368
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Also in this series: Tears of the Moon
In Gallagher’s Pub, where the fire is burning low and the pints are waiting, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts has a story to tell…
Determined to reevaluate her life, Jude Murray flees America to take refuge in Faerie Hill Cottage, immersing herself in the study of Irish folklore and discovering hope for the future of the magical past.
Finally back home in Ireland after years of traveling, Aidan Gallagher possesses an uncommon understanding of his country’s haunting myths. Although he’s devoted to managing the family pub, a hint of wildness still glints in his eyes—and in Jude, he sees a woman who can both soothe his heart and stir his blood. And he begins to share the legends of the land with her—while they create a passionate history of their own.
Review
Nora Roberts spins a tale as deftly as any of her Irish ancestors. In Jewels of the Sun, she weaves the story of American Jude Murray and Irishman Aiden Gallagher, infusing it with the atmosphere and magic of the Irish countryside.
Jude is a divorced psychology professor struggling to find her feet, and herself, after the dissolution of her marriage and her sudden and uncharacteristic departure from her job. She decides to take a 6-month break at her grandmother’s cottage in Ardmore, formerly owned by Gran’s Cousin Maude. Jude has always done what’s expected of her; she’s respectable, cultured, and dignified, even prim. At least, she has been. As she relaxes into life in Ireland and forges friendships with some of her neighbors, she begins to rediscover the dreams of her heart, the emotions she’s been tamping down, and her own inner strength.
Aiden Gallagher runs his family’s pub, Gallaghers, and is happy doing so. But when he was younger, a restless wanderlust led him to travel America, working his way and seeing the world. Aiden has all the best (and stereotypical) traits of the Irish: he’s a goodhearted man, a bit of a rogue with an eye for the ladies and a silver tongue, but loyal, honorable, and dependable. . . and almost irresistible.
As she often does, Roberts adds a touch of fate and magic to their developing relationship, in the form of a 300-year-old tale of the doomed love between a mortal woman and a faerie prince. I love those magical, fantasy-like elements, but Roberts’ depictions of Ireland and rural Irish life are just as captivating. I always want to visit Ireland after reading any of her books set in the Emerald Isle.
I think this is my favorite of the three Gallagher books, mostly because I could relate more easily to Jude than to the stubborn and belligerently practical Brenna O’Toole (Tears of the Moon) or to alluring, confident, and somewhat mercenary Darcy Gallagher (Heart of the Sea.) I loved watching Jude reclaim her life and her dreams, blossoming into the woman she was truly meant to be. And who wouldn’t love Aiden? For all his cocksure attitude, he’s a good man with a heart worth having. And Jewels of the Sun is a romance worth reading.
About Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts was born in Maryland and educated in Catholic schools. She married young and worked as a legal secretary until her sons were born. In 1979, faced with a blizzard and “a dwindling supply of chocolate”, she sat down and began to write. ‘Irish Thoroughbred’ was published two years later. 30 years and over 210 books and novellas later, Roberts is one of the most popular writers of romance, romantic suspense, and (as J. D. Robb) mystery around.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge (March 2017)
- The Backlist Reader Challenge 2017
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog
I haven’t read a book by Nora Roberts in quite a while (I read tons of them back in the day). This sounds like a good one. I have never been to Ireland, but it would be fun to be whisked away. Great review! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Lark_Bookwyrm
I really enjoyed this one, and it was a good choice for the week leading into St. Patrick’s Day!
anna @ herding cats & burning soup
It’s been a long time since I’ve read one set in Ireland. What a wonderful setting for a read. 🙂
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Lark_Bookwyrm
Perfect for the week of St. Patrick’s Day! I read the whole trilogy this week (but this one was my favorite.)